Cholera is a bacterial infection in the small intestine. Vibrio cholerae is the bacterium responsible for causing this infection. Contaminated food and water is the major cause of this bacterial infection. The infection can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It can lead to dehydration, which, if severe, can cause serious health problems like kidney failure or seizures. Without rapid treatments, it can also lead to death.
Symptoms of Cholera
After infection by the bacterium, cholera symptoms appear either within a few hours or within five or more days. In some cases, no symptoms may appear. While symptoms may be mild in some cases, in others, serious symptoms may appear. Chief symptoms associated with cholera are:
- Dry mouth
- Vomiting and nausea
- Low blood pressure
- Irregularity in heartbeat
- Watery diarrhea
- Glassy eyes
- Low urine output
- Irritability
- Dry skin
- Extreme thirst
- Dehydration
If any of these symptoms of bacterial infection occur, contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of severe dehydration need emergency medical attention. Diagnosis of cholera is confirmed through a vomit or stool sample or a rectal swab. These tests confirm bacterial infection in the samples.
Treatments of Cholera
Fluid Replacement: Replacement of fluids in the patient’s body is among the effective treatments. Treatments for loss of fluid and salt in the body due to diarrhea are possible through fluid replacement. In severe cases, these treatments can even be intravenous.
Antibiotic Medicine: Antibiotic medicine is among effective cholera treatments. Antibiotic medicines kill the bacteria causing the infection. Though some antibiotic medicines may not completely cure the disease, they can largely reduce the symptoms. However, medicine is not as essential for cholera treatments as fluid replacement.
Oral Rehydration: The oral rehydration solution (ORS), developed by the World Health Organization, is beneficial among cholera treatments. It is among the treatments prescribed internationally. It is inexpensive and very simple to use. ORS solution is easily available in the market and can prevent fatality caused by cholera.
Zinc Supplements: Research studies have found that zinc supplements can be among effective treatments for children suffering from diarrhea and cholera.
Maintain Hygiene: Washing hands properly with soap and water can support all treatments of bacterial infection. Cleaning hands and maintaining hygienic conditions are useful in treating symptoms caused due to this infection.
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